Comparison of postweaning bovine respiratory disease treatment rates between non-vaccinated control beef calves and calves variably primed and boosted using commercially available bovine coronavirus vaccines.

Objective: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and overall postweaning treatment rates were compared among 3 groups of calves either differentially primed and boosted with commercially available bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccine or not vaccinated against BCoV. Animals: Commercial heifer and steer beef calves born in April and May 2022. Procedure: In June 2022, calves were randomly enrolled into 3 treatment groups. Those in 2 groups [V1 (n = 160) and V2 (n = 160)] were administered a mucosal priming dose of 1 of 2 commercial BCoV vaccines; those in the 3rd group [CTL (n = 151)] were unvaccinated against BCoV. The V1 and V2 groups were boosted by intramuscular injection pre-weaning with the same vaccine used for priming. Weaning occurred 3 wk after the last preweaning processing day. Ranch staff used a BRD case definition provided by their herd veterinarian to identify, treat, and record treatments for 45 d post-weaning. Results: Postweaning BRD treatment rates for V1, V2, and CTL were 7%, 9%, and 14%, respectively. The CTL calves had 2.2× greater odds of receiving treatment for BRD than V1 calves. There were no differences in odds of treatment between CTL and V2 calves or V1 and V2 calves. Conclusion: In a herd with previously diagnosed BCoV BRD cases, prime-boost vaccination of calves is associated with a difference in odds of BRD treatment post-weaning compared to not vaccinating calves against BCoV. Clinical relevance: Prime-boost vaccination with commercial BCoV vaccine may be an important management tool for herds with known BCoV BRD outbreaks.

Comparaison des taux de traitement des maladies respiratoires bovines après le sevrage entre des veaux de boucherie témoins non vaccinés et des veaux vaccinés amorce-rappel de manière variable à l'aide de vaccins contre le coronavirus bovin commercialement disponibles. Objectif: La maladie respiratoire bovine (BRD) et les taux globaux de traitement post-sevrage ont été comparés parmi 3 groupes de veaux soit vaccinés de manière différentielle et avec un rappel avec le vaccin contre le coronavirus bovin (BCoV) disponible commercialement, soit non vaccinés contre le BCoV. Animaux: Génisses et veaux de boucherie commerciaux nés en avril et mai 2022. Procédure: En juin 2022, les veaux ont été randomisés lors du recrutement dans 3 groupes de traitement. Ceux des 2 groupes [V1 (n = 160) et V2 (n = 160)] ont reçu une dose d'amorce par voie muqueuse de l'un des deux vaccins commerciaux BCoV; ceux du 3ème groupe [CTL (n = 151)] n'étaient pas vaccinés contre le BCoV. Les groupes V1 et V2 ont eu un rappel par injection intramusculaire avant le sevrage avec le même vaccin que celui utilisé pour l'amorçage. Le sevrage a eu lieu 3 semaines après le dernier jour de conditionnement pré-sevrage. Le personnel du ranch a utilisé une définition de cas de BRD fournie par le vétérinaire de leur troupeau pour identifier, traiter et enregistrer les traitements pendant 45 jours après le sevrage. Résultats: Les taux de traitement BRD post-sevrage pour V1, V2 et CTL étaient respectivement de 7 %, 9 % et 14 %. Les veaux CTL avaient 2,2 fois plus de chances de recevoir un traitement contre la BRD que les veaux V1. Il n'y avait aucune différence dans les probabilités de traitement entre les veaux CTL et V2 ou entre les veaux V1 et V2. Conclusion: Dans un troupeau avec des cas de BRD causés par le BCoV déjà diagnostiqués, la vaccination amorce-rappel des veaux est associée à une différence de probabilité de traitement par le BRD après le sevrage par rapport à la nonvaccination des veaux contre le BCoV. Pertinence clinique: La vaccination amorce-rappel avec le vaccin commercial BCoV peut être un outil de gestion important pour les troupeaux présentant des foyers connus de BCoV BRD.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Canine IgA and IgA deficiency: Implications for immunization against respiratory pathogens.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is widely recognized as the important antibody isotype involved in protective responses on mucosal surfaces, where it acts primarily by effectuating immune exclusion of foreign material. Selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) is the most common immunodeficiency disease in dogs and humans and has consequences for mucosal immunity. This review is a comparative look at the biology of IgA and SIgAD with a focus on how this branch of immunology relates to vaccine selection and efficacy for canine infectious respiratory disease.

IgA canines et déficience en IgA : Implications pour l'immunisation contre des agents pathogènes respiratoires. Les immunoglobulines A (IgA) sont largement reconnues comme étant l'isotype d'anticorps important impliqué dans la réponse protectrice à la surface des muqueuses, où elles agissent principalement en effectuant l'exclusion immune du matériel étranger. La déficience sélective en IgA (SIgAD) est l'immunodéficience la plus fréquente chez les chiens et les humains et à des conséquences pour l'immunité mucosale. La présente revue est un examen comparatif de la biologie des IgA et de SIgAD, avec une emphase sur comment cette branche de l'immunologie est liée à la sélection et l'efficacité de vaccins pour des maladies respiratoires infectieuses canines.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus-specific IgG-1 in nasal secretions of colostrum-fed neonatal calves.

In order to determine whether nasal secretions of young calves contain passively derived antibodies to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and if there are differences in presence and/or subclass of these antibodies between calves fed different colostrum replacement products, 17 Holstein calves were fed 150 g of IgG in either a sprayed-dried colostrum-based (CR; n = 8) or a plasma-based colostrum replacement product (PR; n = 9) within 6 h of birth. Venous blood and nasal secretions obtained before feeding and at 24 h of age were assayed for total IgG (serum) by radial immunodiffusion and for BRSV-specific total IgG, IgG-1, and IgG-2 by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Calves that were fed a CR had higher concentrations of BRSV-specific IgG and IgG-1 in their serum and nasal secretions compared to calves fed product PR; calves fed the PR had higher levels of serum BRSV-specific IgG-2. The only subclass of antibodies detected in nasal secretions was IgG-1. Re-secretion of passive IgG with neutralizing activity, onto the nasal mucosa could contribute to BRSV-associated disease-sparing observed in the laboratory and in the field. Use of PR will result in lower nasal antibodies since IgG-2 is not re-secreted.

IgG-1 spécifique au virus respiratoire syncytial bovin dans les sécrétions nasales des veaux néonataux nourris au colostrum. Afin de déterminer si les sécrétions nasales des jeunes veaux contenaient des anticorps dérivés passivement envers le virus respiratoire syncytial bovin (VRS) et s'il y a des différences dans la présence et/ou la sous-catégorie de ces anticorps entre les veaux nourris avec différents produits de remplacement du colostrum, 17 veaux Holstein ont été nourris avec 150 g d'IgG soit sous forme de produit vaporisé-séché à base de colostrum (CR; n = 8) ou d'un produit de remplacement de colostrum à base de plasma (PR; n = 9) au cours des 6 premières heures après la naissance. Du sang veineux et des sécrétions nasales obtenus avant le nourrissage et à l'âge de 24 h ont été analysés pour obtenir la quantité d'IgG totale (sérum) par immunodiffusion radiale et le total des quantités d'IgG, d'IgG-1 et d'IgG-2 spécifiques au VRS par ELISA indirecte. Les veaux qui avaient été nourris d'un CR avaient des concentrations supérieures d'IgG et dIgG-1 spécifiques au VRS dans leur sérum et les sécrétions nasales comparativement aux veaux nourris de produits PR; les veaux nourris d'un PR avaient des niveaux supérieurs d'IgG-2 sérique spécifique au VRS. La seule sous-catégorie d'anticorps détectée dans les sécrétions nasales était l'IgG-1. La re-secrétion passive d'IgG avec de l'activité neutralisante sur les muqueuses nasales pourrait contribuer à l'immunité associée au VRS observée en laboratoire et sur le terrain. L'usage de PR produira des anticorps nasaux inférieurs vu que l'IgG-2 n'est pas re-secrété.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparative efficacy of intranasal and injectable vaccines in stimulating Bordetella bronchiseptica-reactive anamnestic antibody responses in household dogs.

In order to determine the comparative efficacy of injectable and intranasal vaccines to stimulate Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb)-reactive anamnestic antibodies, a trial was conducted using 144 adult household dogs of various breeds and ages, which had been previously administered intranasal Bb vaccine approximately 12 months before enrollment. Dogs were randomized into 2 groups and blood, nasal swabs, and pharyngeal swabs were collected prior to the administration of single component Bb vaccines intranasally or parenterally. Ten to 14 days later all dogs were resampled to measure changes in systemic and local antibody to Bb. There were no differences in the changes in Bb-reactive serum IgG and nasal IgA between the groups, whereas intranasally vaccinated dogs had significantly higher Bb-reactive serum IgA. These data indicate that both of the current generation of intranasal (modified-live) and injectable (acellular) Bb vaccines can stimulate anamnestic local and systemic antibody responses in previously vaccinated, Bb-seropositive adult household dogs.

Efficacité comparative des vaccins intranasaux et injectables pour stimuler les réponses des anticorps anamnestiques réagissant àBordetella bronchisepticachez les chiens domestiques. Afin de déterminer l'efficacité comparative des vaccins injectables et intranasaux pour stimuler les anticorps anamnestiques réagissant à Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), un essai a été réalisé à l'aide de 144 chiens domestiques adultes de diverses races et d'âges différents, auxquels l'on avait déjà administré le vaccin Bb intranasal environ 12 mois avant le recrutement. Les chiens ont été assignés au hasard à deux groupes et des échantillons sanguins, et écouvillons nasaux et pharyngés ont été prélevés avant l'administration de vaccins Bb à composant unique soit par voie intranasale ou parentérale. Dix à 14 jours plus tard, on a prélevé de nouveaux échantillons pour tous les chiens afin de mesurer les changements dans les anticorps systémiques et locaux pour Bb. Il n'y avait aucune différence au niveau des changements pour l'IgG sérique et l'IgA nasal réactif à Bb entre les groupes, tandis que les chiens vaccinés par voie intranasale présentaient un niveau significativement supérieur d'IgA sériques réactives à Bb. Ces données indiquent que les deux générations actuelles de vaccins Bb intranasal (vivant modifié) et injectable (acellulaire) peuvent stimuler les réponses locale et systémique des anticorps Bb chez les chiens adultes domestiques antérieurement vaccinés.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison of the levels of selected specific antibodies in the immunoglobulin G of colostrum versus milk and serum in dairy cows (Bos taurus).

Commercial products containing immunoglobulin G (IgG) sourced from colostrum, milk, and/or serum may be used to supplement or replace maternal colostrum in newborn dairy calves. To determine if antibody specificities in bovine milk and serum IgG differ from colostrum IgG, we sampled serum, colostrum (1 to 2 hours post-partum), and milk (day 5 post-partum) from 24 dairy heifers or cows. Specific antibodies [IgG class (H&L)] to 8 common pathogens were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Immunoglobin G1 and IgG2 subclass-specific ELISAs were performed for 3 of these pathogens. Colostrum-derived IgG contained more specific antibodies to rotavirus [IgG (H&L) and IgG1] and to IgG (H&L) of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI3V), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli F5 (K99), and bovine coronavirus than milk IgG. Colostral IgG contained more antibodies to BRSV (IgG1), rotavirus (IgG1), and IgG (H&L) specific for BRSV, bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), BPI3V, E. coli F5 (K99), and Streptococcus uberis than serum IgG. Compared to serum, milk contained more IgG (H&L) antibody to BRSV, BHV-1, and BPI3V, IgG1-specific BRSV, and rotavirus. These data indicate that IgG derived from colostrum delivers more specific antibodies to these endemic pathogens of calves compared to IgG sourced from milk or serum. In addition, the IgG1 subclass predominates in milk and colostrum, and both deliver a similar spectrum of antibodies.

Les produits commerciaux contenant de l'immunoglobuline G (IgG) provenant du colostrum, du lait et/ou du sérum peuvent être utilisés pour compléter ou remplacer le colostrum maternel chez les veaux laitiers nouveau-nés. Pour déterminer si les spécificités des anticorps dans le lait de vache et les IgG sériques diffèrent des IgG du colostrum, nous avons prélevé du sérum, du colostrum (1 à 2 heures après le vêlage) et du lait (5 jours après le vêlage) de 24 génisses ou vaches laitières. Des anticorps spécifiques [classe IgG (H&L)] dirigés contre huit agents pathogènes courants ont été mesurés par dosages immuno-enzymatiques (ELISA). Des tests ELISA spécifiques aux sous-classes d'IG1 et d'IgG2 ont été effectués pour trois de ces agents pathogènes. Les IgG dérivées du colostrum contenaient plus d'anticorps spécifiques contre le rotavirus [IgG (H&L) et IgG1] et des IgG (H&L) contre le virus respiratoire syncytial bovin (BRSV), le virus parainfluenza bovin 3 (BPI3V), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli F5 (K99) et le coronavirus bovin que les IgG du lait. Les IgG du colostrum contenaient plus d'anticorps dirigés contre le BRSV (IgG1), le rotavirus (IgG1) et des IgG (H&L) spécifiques contre BRSV, l'herpèsvirus bovin-1 (BHV-1), le BPI3V, E. coli F5 (K99) et Streptococcus uberis que les IgG du sérum. Comparé au sérum, le lait contenait plus d'anticorps IgG (H&L) contre le BRSV, le BHV-1 et le BPI3V, des IgG1 spécifiques au BRSV et au rotavirus. Ces données indiquent que les IgG dérivées du colostrum fournissent des anticorps plus spécifiques contre ces agents pathogènes endémiques des veaux que les IgG provenant du lait ou du sérum. De plus, la sous-classe IgG1 prédomine dans le lait et le colostrum, et les deux fournissent un spectre similaire d'anticorps.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Response to experimentally induced infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus following intranasal vaccination of seropositive and seronegative calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a combination modified-live bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) vaccine can stimulate protective immunity in young BRSV-seropositive calves following intranasal (IN) administration. DESIGN: Controlled challenge study. ANIMALS: 66 Holstein bull calves, 3 to 8 days old. PROCEDURES: In experiment 1, BRSV-seropositive and -seronegative calves were vaccinated IN with a commercially available combination modified-live virus vaccine formulated for SC administration; calves underwent BRSV challenge 4.5 months later. In experiment 2, BRSV-seronegative calves were vaccinated IN or SC (to examine the effect of route of administration) with the same combination vaccine that instead had a 1/100 dose of BRSV (to examine the effect of dose); calves underwent BRSV challenge 21 days later. RESULTS: In experiment 1, BRSV challenge resulted in severe respiratory tract disease with low arterial partial pressures of oxygen and lung lesions in most calves from all groups. Maximum change in rectal temperature was significantly greater in seropositive IN vaccinated calves, compared with seronegative IN vaccinated and seropositive control calves. Number of days of BRSV shedding was significantly lower in seronegative IN vaccinated calves than in seropositive IN vaccinated and seropositive control calves. In experiment 2, maximum change in rectal temperature was significantly greater in seronegative control calves, compared with seronegative IN and SC vaccinated calves. Shedding of BRSV was significantly reduced in seronegative IN and SC vaccinated calves, compared with control calves; also, lung lesions were reduced in seronegative IN and SC vaccinated calves. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maternal antibodies may inhibit priming of protective responses by IN delivered BRSV vaccines.

Development and validation of a SYBR green real-time PCR for the quantification of porcine circovirus type 2 in serum, buffy coat, feces, and multiple tissues.

The emergence of multiple genotypes of PCV2, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis of whole genome or capsid sequences, makes it necessary to have quantitative diagnostic assays that perform equally well on all strains. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate a novel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the highly conserved rep gene (ORF1) and investigate the effects of diagnostic specimen choice on its performance. The assay was tested in naturally infected conventional pigs, experimentally infected gnotobiotic pigs, and plasmid-spiked negative serum, lung tissue, and feces and found to have a linear detection range of 2.2x10(3) to 2.2x10(10) copies of PCV2 per mL. The assay successfully detected and quantified PCV2 DNA in serum, buffy coat, feces, and multiple lymphoid (bronchial, mesenteric, and superficial inguinal lymph nodes; thymus; tonsil; ileal Peyer's patches; and spleen), and non-lymphoid (myocardium; lung; kidney; liver; and gluteal muscle) tissues from naturally infected pigs. Across all tissues and sera of naturally infected pigs, the mean PCV2 concentration was 3.0logs higher in wasting versus non-wasting pigs. PCV2 concentration measured by tissue culture and immunohistochemical staining in homogenized liver samples of experimentally infected gnotobiotic pigs were compared to the concentrations estimated by quantitative PCR. Similar trends were noted with increasing PCV2 concentration detected in subclinically infected to severely PMWS-affected pigs across all assays. Our diagnostic assay was developed with a conserved target sequence, and performed efficiently in quantification of PCV2 in a variety of tissues from naturally and experimentally infected pigs.

Efficacy of a combination viral vaccine for protection of cattle against experimental infection with field isolates of bovine herpesvirus-1.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a combination viral vaccine containing a modified-live bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) would protect calves from infection with virulent field strains of BHV-1 for weeks or months after vaccination. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial, performed in 2 replicates. ANIMALS: 63 weaned 4- to 6-month-old crossbred beef calves seronegative for antibody against BHV-1. PROCEDURES: Calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Control calves (n = 10/replicate) received a combination modified-live mixed viral vaccine without BHV-1, and treatment calves (20 and 23/replicate) received a combination modified-live mixed viral vaccine containing BHV-1. Each group was challenged via aerosol with 1 of 2 field strains of BHV-1, 30 days after vaccination in replicate 1 and 97 days after vaccination in replicate 2. After challenge, calves were commingled in 1 drylot pen. Clinical signs, immune responses, and nasal shedding of virus were monitored for 10 days after challenge, after which the calves were euthanatized and tracheal lesions were assessed. RESULTS: Vaccination stimulated production of BHV-1-specific IgG antibody that cross-neutralized several field and laboratory strains of BHV-1. Challenge with both field strains of BHV-1 resulted in moderate to severe respiratory tract disease in control calves. Treatment calves had significantly fewer signs of clinical disease, shed less BHV-1, had less or no weight loss after challenge, and had fewer tracheal lesions than control calves for at least 97 days after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of the combination modified-live BHV-1 vaccine yielded significant disease-sparing effects in calves experimentally infected with virulent field strains of BHV-1.

Profiling of local disease-sparing responses to bovine respiratory syncytial virus in intranasally vaccinated and challenged calves.

Bovine and human respiratory syncytial viruses (BRSV, HRSV) are primary causes of pneumonia in calves and children respectively, with vaccination offering protection via antibody and cellular immune responses. However, with no vaccines currently licensed for human use, evaluation of local responses to BRSV vaccination may provide insights to aid the design of effective safe HRSV vaccines. Calves received intranasal single component BRSV vaccine or "3-Way" vaccine (BRSV, Bovine Herpes Virus-1 (BHV-1), Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type-3 (BPIV-3)), and were BRSV-challenged 42 days post-vaccination. All vaccinates exhibited reduced pulmonary lesioning with elevated anti-BRSV serum IgG, and higher nasal anti-BRSV IgA in 3-Way vaccinates. Thirty-nine proteins associated with homeostatic and immune processes were altered in vaccinates, with enhanced 3-Way vaccinate group proteins associated with Th1/Th2 balance and immunoglobulin class switching. Proteins altered in the pharyngeal tonsil of animals euthanized early related to anti-inflammatory responses and lymphoid tissue remodeling. These findings indicate that multivalent vaccines distinctly modulate local immune responses, with clear correlation between the pharyngeal tonsil proteome profile and resulting immune protection and disease-sparing. This suggests that the efficacy of low-antigenic subunit vaccine components for problematic pathogens such as HRSV could be enhanced by use in combination with existing safe live vaccines. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that vaccine valency can alter post-challenge proteome responses within the pharyngeal tonsil, a sentinel site of primary immune responses, with the magnitude of response dependent on antigen formulation. Observed differential responses can be attributed to antigenic material and viral nucleic acid from multivalent formulations providing additional T-cell epitopes and PAMPS. These findings indicate that incorporation of subunits proteins within multivalent formulations containing live virus has the potential to induce/skew a favorable immune response, utilising the natural adjuvanting effects of safe proven live vaccines.

Porcine circovirus-2 DNA concentration distinguishes wasting from nonwasting pigs and is correlated with lesion distribution, severity, and nucleocapsid staining intensity.

The emergence of severe porcine circoviral disease in North America is associated with Porcine circovirus-2 genotype b (PCV-2b), which has led to speculation that PCV-2b is more virulent than PCV-2a. The objectives of this study were to 1) correlate the PCV-2 DNA concentration and lesions in wasting (WST) and age-matched healthy (HLTH) pigs from 2 clinically affected farms, and unaffected (UNFCT) pigs from a farm with no prior clinical or diagnostic history of PCVD; and 2) to determine the initial estimates of sensitivity and specificity of PCV-2 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). PCV-2b was confirmed in all 3 farms. Compared with HLTH pigs, WST pigs demonstrated significantly more prevalent thymic atrophy, failure of normal pulmonary collapse, and ascites (P < 0.017 for all). The HLTH and UNFCT pigs had significantly more pronounced lymphoid germinal centers and proliferative paracortical T-dependent zones, compared with WST pigs (P < 0.017). Across all tissues, PCV-2 DNA concentrations were significantly higher in WST compared with HLTH and UNFCT pigs (P < 0.017 for all). The PCV-2 DNA concentrations were strongly correlated with PCV-2 nucleocapsid staining intensity in lymph node, spleen, Peyer's patches, lung, liver, and kidney (0.60 < or = r < or = 0.84). In the current study, the PCV-2 DNA log10 cutoff concentrations best able to distinguish WST from HLTH and UNFCT pigs were between 7.0 and 8.0 per gram for tissues, and between 4.0 and 5.0 per milliliter for sera. The presence of PCV-2b in UNFCT pigs is evidence that PCV-2b by itself is not sufficient to induce severe disease.

Effect of coinfection with genogroup 1 porcine torque teno virus on porcine circovirus type 2-associated postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in gnotobiotic pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether genogroup 1 porcine torque teno virus (g1-TTV) can potentiate clinical disease associated with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). SAMPLE POPULATION: 33 gnotobiotic baby pigs. PROCEDURES: Pigs were allocated into 7 groups: group A, 5 uninoculated control pigs from 3 litters; group B, 4 pigs oronasally inoculated with PCV2 alone; group C, 4 pigs inoculated IP with first-passage g1-TTV alone; group D, 4 pigs inoculated IP with fourth-passage g1-TTV alone; group E, 6 pigs inoculated IP with first-passage g1-TTV and then oronasally inoculated with PCV2 7 days later; group F, 6 pigs inoculated IP with fourth-passage g1-TTV and then inoculated oronasally with PCV2 7 days later; and group G, 4 pigs inoculated oro-nasally with PCV2 and then inoculated IP with fourth-passage g1-TTV 7 days later. RESULTS: 6 of 12 pigs inoculated with g1-TTV prior to PCV2 developed acute onset of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). None of the pigs inoculated with g1-TTV alone or PCV2 alone or that were challenge exposed to g1-TTV after establishment of infection with PCV2 developed clinical illness. Uninoculated control pigs remained healthy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data implicated g1-TTV as another viral infection that facilitates PCV2-induced PMWS. This raises the possibility that torque teno viruses in swine may contribute to disease expression currently associated with only a single infectious agent.

Evaluation of the effects of porcine genogroup 1 torque teno virus in gnotobiotic swine.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether porcine genogroup 1 torque teno virus (g1-TTV) can infect and cause disease in gnotobiotic swine. SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 conventional baby pigs and 46 gnotobiotic baby pigs. PROCEDURES: Porcine g1-TTV was transmitted from conventional swine to gnotobiotic pigs via pooled leukocyte-rich plasmas (n=18) that had positive results for g1-TTV DNA. Bone marrow-liver homogenates that had positive results for torque teno virus (TTV) were used in 4 serial passages in gnotobiotic pigs (2 pigs/passage). A pathogenesis experiment was conducted with in vivo passages of g1-TTV in various groups of gnotobiotic pigs. RESULTS: All g1-TTV inoculated pigs had no clinical signs but developed interstitial pneumonia, transient thymic atrophy, membranous glomerulonephropathy, and modest lymphocytic to histiocytic infiltrates in the liver after inoculation with the TTV-containing tissue homogenate; these changes were not detected in uninoculated control pigs or pigs injected with tissue homogenate devoid of TTV DNAs. In situ hybridization was used to identify g1-TTV DNAs in bone marrow mononuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of these data revealed that porcine g1-TTV was readily transmitted to TTV-naïve swine and that infection was associated with characteristic pathologic changes in gnotobiotic pigs inoculated with g1-TTV. Thus, g1-TTV could be an unrecognized pathogenic viral infectious agent of swine. This indicated a directly associated induction of lesions attributable to TTV infection in swine for a virus of the genus Anellovirus.

Evaluation of induction of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome in gnotobiotic pigs with negative results for porcine circovirus type 2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) could be experimentally induced in gnotobiotic swine. SAMPLE POPULATION: Plasma samples from 27 sows and 20 conventional weaned piglets were obtained, and 30 gnotobiotic pigs were used in experiments. PROCEDURES: 3 experiments were conducted. Groups of 3-day-old gnotobiotic pigs were inoculated with pooled plasma samples obtained from healthy feeder pigs in a herd that was in the initial phases of an outbreak of respiratory disease; gross and histologic lesions of PDNS were detected in the inoculated pigs. In a second experiment, 2- and 3-day-old gnotobiotic pigs were inoculated with porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and with PRRSV-negative tissue homogenate containing genogroup 1 torque teno virus (g1-TTV). Lesions of PDNS were detected. RESULTS: Pigs inoculated with pooled plasma or the combination of tissue-culture-origin PRRSV and g1-TTV tissue homogenate developed systemic hemostatic defects, bilaterally symmetric cutaneous hemorrhages, generalized edema, icterus, bilaterally symmetric renal cortical hemorrhage, dermal vasculitis with hemorrhage, and interstitial pneumonia consistent with a clinical and pathologic diagnosis of PDNS. The PRRSV RNAs and g1-TTV DNAs were detected in plasma; all pigs seroconverted to PRRSV, and all had negative results for porcine circovirus type 2 when tested by use of PCR assays. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggested that PDNS is a manifestation of disseminated intravascular coagulation in swine. For the experimental conditions reported here, combined infection with g1-TTV and PRRSV was implicated in the genesis of these lesions.

Evaluation of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterins for porcine torque teno virus DNAs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether commercial Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterins sold for use in swine contain porcine torque teno virus (TTV). SAMPLE POPULATION: 22 commercially available M hyopneumoniae bacterins. PROCEDURES: Direct and nested PCR assays for genogroup-specific TTV DNAs were performed on serials of M hyopneumoniae bacterins by use of published and custom-designed primer pairs at 3 laboratories in North America and Europe. RESULTS: Of the 22 bacterins tested by use of direct and nested PCR assays, 7 of 9 from the United States, 2 of 5 from Canada, and 4 of 8 from Europe contained genogroup 1- and genogroup 2-TTV DNAs. In some bacterins, the TTV DNAs were readily detected by use of direct PCR assays. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of these data indicated that many of the commercially available M hyopneumoniae bacterins were contaminated with TTV DNA. It is possible that some of these bacterins could inadvertently transmit porcine TTV infection to TTV-naïve swine.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for Porcine circovirus-2 in swine feces in a Porcine circovirus disease-affected commercial herd and a nonaffected commercial herd.

This study examined if pigs in a Porcine circovirus disease (PCVD)-affected herd (n = 100) had shed more Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) in their feces than pigs in a PCVD-nonaffected herd (n = 101), and if differences in shedding among production stages within and between the herds existed. The PCV-2 shedding was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The highest median PCV-2 shedding was found in the nursery of the PCVD-affected herd and in the grower of the PCVD-nonaffected herd. The PCV-2 shedding was significantly higher in earlier stages (newly weaned, nursery, and pregrower) in the PCVD-affected herd (Wilcoxon rank sum; P < 0.001) compared with the PCVD-nonaffected herd. Porcine circovirus-2 DNA was not detected in a significant proportion of lactating sows (parity > or = 3) in the PCVD-nonaffected herd (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.001). The results of this study suggest there may be an association between the presence of PCV-2 in the feces of lactating sows and increased PCV-2 shedding in younger pigs.

The effect of bovine viral diarrhea virus infections on health and performance of feedlot cattle.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections (unapparent acute infections and persistent infections) on the overall health and performance of feedlot cattle. Calves from 25 pens (7132 calves) were enrolled in the study. Overall and infectious disease mortality rates were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in pens categorized at arrival as positive for type I BVDV and lower in pens that were positive for type II BVDV than in negative pens. Mortality attributed to BVDV infection or enteritis was significantly more common (P < 0.05) in the pens containing persistently infected (PI) calves than in pens not containing PI calves (non-PI pens). There were no statistically detectable (P > or = 0.05) differences in morbidity, overall mortality, average daily gain, or the dry matter intake to gain ratio between PI and non-PI pens. Although type-I BVDV infections in feedlots appear to contribute to higher mortality rates, the presence of PI calves alone does not appear to have a strong impact on pen-level animal health and feedlot performance.

How efficacious are vaccines against bovine respiratory syncytial virus in cattle?

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a paramyxovirus that is the major cause of pneumonia in calves. Vaccines for this important pathogen have been available since the late 1970's. This review is a critical assessment of the literature including, experimental challenge studies and field trials, that address the efficacy of commonly used vaccines to control respiratory disease caused by BRSV.

Nested polymerase chain reaction detection and duration of porcine circovirus type 2 in semen with sperm morphological analysis from naturally infected boars.

A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) protocol was applied to porcine semen to demonstrate the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) shedding patterns and duration in naturally infected boars. Sperm morphology analysis was performed on a subset of samples to determine if the presence of PCV2 DNA in semen was associated with reduced semen quality. Semen was collected serially from 43 boars representing 6 breeds, aged 33.9 to 149.3 weeks. Of the 903 semen samples collected, 30 samples (3.3%) were positive for PCV2 DNA by nPCR from 13 boars. Boars shedding PCV2 DNA in semen ranged between 35.9 and 71.0 weeks of age, and shedding occurred during a period of up to 27.3 weeks. A semen nPCR test was 2.6 times more likely to be positive when collected from pigs that were < or =52 weeks of age, and 3.0 times more likely to be positive when collected from pigs that were < or =26 weeks from time of entry into the stud main unit (generalized estimating equations: P = 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] of the odds ratio 1.2 to 5.5, and P = 0.01; 95% CI of the odds ratio 1.3 to 6.9, respectively). These results demonstrate a sporadic and long-term shedding pattern of PCV2 DNA in semen from naturally infected boars. PCV2 DNA in semen does not appear to have detrimental effects on sperm morphology; however, boar age and, possibly, breed may contribute to the persistence of PCV2-shedding in semen.

Detection of Porcine circovirus type 2 viremia and seroconversion in naturally infected pigs in a farrow-to-finish barn.

Porcine serum was assayed by 2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols (nested PCR [nPCR] and non-nested PCR) and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine when Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia and a rise in the serum level of PCV2-specific antibody occurred in pigs raised in a large Canadian farrow-to-finish barn. Eight serial blood samples were collected from each of 40 pigs from 5 to 156 (+/- 1.5) d of age; 6 pigs were removed from the study for various reasons at various times. Viremia was not detected in the samples collected before 72 d of age but was detected in those collected on or after 72 d: of 33 pigs, 7 (21%) had only 1 serum sample positive for PCV2 DNA by nPCR after day 72; 11 (33%) were intermittently positive by nPCR, non-nested PCR, or both between 72 and 156 d; and the remaining 15 (45%) were repeatedly positive (in 2 to 4 samples). The level of serum antibody against PCV2 declined after weaning and increased between 72 and 107 d of age, only after PCV2 was detected in serum. Our results show that PCV2 viremia persists in the presence of elevated levels of PCV2-specific antibody.